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I feel the wind strengthen around me, and I know it’s time to let her go. I tip the ashes out into the wind and watch as she floats through the sky, flying one last time, just like she wanted. “Goodbye, Mia. I love you.”
I fall to my knees as I watch her ashes disappear into the wind, finally free.
I can’t find it in me to go back straight away, so I sit here at the top of the mountain for another few hours, remembering my sister. Remembering the times we had come up here together.
Picking up a rock, I walk to the highest tree and carve her name into the trunk so she can forever leave her mark on this world. So everyone who comes to this mountaintop will know that Mia was here.
Chapter 25
Danielle
We arrive back at Miller’s place late on Wednesday evening. We would have stayed another night with his mom, but the Dragons are putting on a benefit skate night for the Denver Youth Hockey Program tomorrow. This is the team’s big chance to present the youth group with the check from the fundraising we’ve done this season. Then early tomorrow morning, we have to fly out to Chicago to kick off The Frozen Four. Those few days will be paramount in determining if our boys will remain undefeated and win the championship.
I sit up in bed and plug my phone into the charger. “What if I don’t go?” Miller asks as he climbs into bed beside me and begins studying his hands all too closely.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, dreading where this conversation is going.
“The Frozen Four. The NHL. All of it. I pushed myself this hard because Mia was the one who wanted me to go all the way. She was the one who said I could do it. I don’t know. It just feels wrong without her here,” he says, dropping his head into his hands.
I snuggle into his side. “Do you think you would have still tried to make it to the NHL if Mia hadn’t suggested it herself?”
He’s thoughtful for a short while before looking up at me. “Yeah, I guess. It’s every little boy’s dream to be in the NHL. I just didn’t think it was possible until Mia convinced me it was.”
“Do you love playing?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
“Now, do you play because you love it or because Mia wanted this for you?”
“Both,” he admits.
“Would you want Mia to give up on something she loves because you weren’t around anymore?” I ask, climbing up over his hips to straddle him, giving me a perfect view of his face.
He places his hands down on my thighs. “Of course not.”
“Then, assuming she was as stubborn as you are, I think she would have been mighty pissed if she knew you were even considering giving up. If you truly love hockey and it’s your dream to be in the NHL, then you need to go for it. Do it for Mia, but mostly, do it for yourself.”
He lets out a deep breath and pulls me down to him. “You’re amazing.”
“I try,” I say, then grind my hips down on his, desperately needing his touch. The last time I had him was the rough night in the shower. “I’ve missed this,” I tell him as my lips come down on his.
I feel him harden beneath me. “I know. I’m sorry. Let me make it up to you,” he promises, and make it up to me he does.
“Crap, it’s early,” Sophie yawns as we meet the rest of the team at the airport.
“No, it’s not,” I laugh. “You just couldn’t get your ass out of bed.”
We had the Skate Benefit Night last night and it was huge. There were kids everywhere in their little hockey skates and Dragons jerseys. It was amazing. They had the time of their lives when all my boys came out to skate with them, and I must say, it was great to see Miller enjoying himself, even if it was just for a little bit.
My favorite part was when Coach Harris asked me and Sophie to come up and present the huge novelty check, for $150,000.00, to the Denver Youth Hockey Program. He even gave us a special mention, saying none of this would have been possible without us.
Even Professor Whitaker came along to support the boys, and she let me and Sophie know just how proud she was of us. But after still celebrating at the ice rink until 1 a.m., Coach finally sent all the boys home to get some rest.
Which puts us here at the airport, tired as fuck, as we wait for our flight to be called. My phone rings deep in my pocket, and I pull it out, finding a private number.
“Hello,” I say, curious as to who would be calling me.
